Connecticut State Police identified the driver who died in a crash on Route 66 in Middlefield on Friday night.

Venancio Papalotzi-George, 46, of Meriden, was pronounced dead at the scene after a head-on crash just after midnight on Meriden Road. Papalotzi-George’s 2012 Honda Civic collided head on into a 2009 Jeep Wrangler, according to Connecticut State Police.

According to a Middlefield Fire Company press release, the first arriving units found a two-car motor vehicle accident with serious damage sustained to both vehicles. Officials said one vehicle rolled over on its roof and had a fire in the engine, according to fire officials. They responded just before midnight on Friday night.

Fire officials said multiple bystanders pulled the person out of the vehicle. The person was treated for serious injuries and was transported to Hartford Hospital.

Connecticut State Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information about the crash are asked to contact Trooper Connor Hourigan #1052 at Connor.Hourigan@ct.gov or call Troop F – Westbrook at (860) 399-2100.

https://www.courant.com/2025/08/31/state-police-identify-driver-killed-in-friday-night-crash/